Ristar

"Just as great (and underrated) as the Genesis version"

*sigh* Sega's great masterpieces have always been relatively unnoticed. One of the best examples of this is the brilliant platformer Ristar, developed for the Genesis and Gear Gear in 1995. Thanks to the average stupid gamer nobody bothered to play these terrific titles as they were too busy waiting to see 3D graphics...ooooh. Well, whatever is left of the classic gaming population (we're almost extinct ya know) should become fully aware of what is likely the greatest platformer of all time.

The plot (with a nice intro I might add): The evil tyrant ''Greedy'' has corrupted the planet leaders and is seizing control of the galaxy. Even ''the great one'' has been captured so people begin to pray (what else would you do during the apocalypse?). Their prays summon up the son of this ''hero'' who in fact is a hero himself: RISTAR! Accompanied by beautiful catchy music and graphics nearly matching the Genesis version (I often compare the two) this opening will have you hooked from the start. Here's the thing though, Ristar (GG) is almost the sequel to Ristar (Genesis)! It spawns new colorful levels and music not present in the Genesis version. Ristar GG also has a wonderful ''star system'' in which little stars are scattered through ever stage all over the place to grab. once ou get 100..you get a life! (Don't think that this can make everyone ''get a life'' though :) Ristar GG combines all the fantastic elements of the original with some improved to create one of the finest GG (and any) game ever made.

Graphics: 10/10
Holy $#!! Are we playing a GBA here?! Ristar GG has the most colorful GG graphics, finer than any NGPC/GBC game. All of the levels have distinct themes (not just music...sorry for the pun) each matching better than you and your girlfriend. This stuff looks so much like a Genesis you'll have to put your GG next to your television to see the difference.

Sound: 10/10
If the Genesis version is any example of what the GG music is like (and it is) than, well...it's good! simplified because of GG's 8-bit processor it still stays intact and keeps the tunes real. The effects are decent, and it always beats listening to Mom and Dad fight (It's not your fault Timmy...It's not your fault...ah, just shuddup and play Ristar)

Gameplay: 10/10
Tons of colors, and super fast speed...nope, you're not high, you're playing Ristar. (Either that or you play video games at the weirdest moments..) Faster than the Genesis version (fact) and more fun than Sonic, Ristar delivers as a fantastic platformer on GG. Add in a great challenge level, passwords, and bonus levels...and you get enough fun to last ya in military camp (okay, so they'll take it away when you arrive but...the car ride is long isn't it?)

Lasting Value: 9/10
You'll go back a couple times after you beat it...but not much more. Fun for the road as it's always a great handheld game (and you thought cell phones were the leading cause of car wrecks...)

Overall: 10/10
Put away your GBA and your ''cool'' personality so you can look like an idiot playing a 10 year old machine in public. Oh wait, you don't want to do that? then why the hell do you even own a GG?! And if you don't...stop reading this review!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/26/02, Updated 01/26/02